Cephus Miles wanders far from his North Carolina farming roots and tests the adage that you can’t go home again in UNCG Theatre’s production of “Home” Feb. 4-13.

Originally produced to great acclaim by the Negro Ensemble Company in 1979 and then moved to Broadway, Samm-Art Williams’ play is the joyful coming-of-age story of a young black man.

The action begins on the small farm Miles has inherited. He is content to work the land until his childhood sweetheart, Pattie Mae Wells, rejects him and goes to college. Opposed to the Vietnam War, Miles is imprisoned after he is drafted and refuses to serve.

By the time he is released, he has lost his farm to the tax collector, so he heads north to start a new life. With a good job and a new girlfriend, he finds the city exciting and rewarding. But his new life turns sour as he loses his job and becomes involved in drugs and prostitution.

Pulling himself together, he returns to North Carolina where he is reunited with Wells.

“The play uses poetic and powerful language to set the scene, comment on conflict and explore the emotions and thoughts of the main character,” director Tom Humphrey says. “The language is what attracts me to the play and what resounds in my soul.”

The production features the work of scene designer Wes Reid, costume designer David Griffie and lighting designer Will Lowry. Preston Campbell, Brett Robinson, Brooke Wiley and Omoze Idehenre are the cast members.

The play is part of the 2005 African American Arts Festival sponsored by Arrowhead Graphics Inc., African American Atelier, City Arts of Greensboro Parks and Recreation and East Market Street Development Corp.

It will be performed in Brown Building Theatre on Tate Street at 8 p.m. Feb. 4, 5, 11 and 12; at 2 p.m. Feb. 6 and 13; and at 7 p.m. Feb. 8, 9 and 10. Free parking for all shows is available behind Weatherspoon Art Museum.

Tickets are $12 for adults; $10 for seniors and non-UNCG students; $8 for Alumni Association members and groups of 10 or more; and $5 for UNCG students. Call (336) 334-4849 (4TIX) for tickets or visit the Department of Theatre's web page for more information.